Remembering Hawai’i
Today is the day after America’s Independence Day and I bet most people don’t find it hypocritical that we as a nation can deny other peace-loving nations that same right to independence. In general, I love what this country stands for, but I love justice and fairness far more. Our secondary education institutions are too willing to sugarcoat our nation’s past and glorify our past leadership. I don’t even remember the history of Hawaii mentioned in any of the schools I attended, up until last year.
One year ago today I arrived in Hawai’i to study for 1.5 months. While there, I learned a lot about its history and the culture that exists underneath the outer veneer of tourism. I now have such deep respect for native Hawaiian culture and those of native ancestry. I support their continued effort for sovereignty and possible independence.
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono- "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
I can not fit all that I’ve learned and cared bout on this blog since it’s such a complicated situation that they are in, and no matter what, I will always be an outsider. But here are some quotes and resources if you are interested in a more realistic perspective of Hawai’i:
The explicit political injury imposed upon the Hawaiian nationals from than to now, covering a period of 105 years include the denial of our nationality, our government, our control over our national lands, our control over immigration, our control over taxation, our control over banking and finance, the right to print our own money, the right to control foreign trade and foreign relations, the right to protect our `aina from environmental pollution, the right to control our own education system, the right to exercise jurisdiction over all of Hawai`i and territories under Hawai`i’s jurisdiction in 1893, the right to control our air space, to exercise jurisdiction over print, radio, television and satellite communication, the control over the ocean to the full extent recognized under the Law of the Sea Treaty, and membership in international governmental organizations including the United Nations.
Attached to this political injury came associated injuries to our health and welfare, cultural identity, education, economy, cultural practices, language, self-esteem, etc.
Thus, a wrong was done by the United States of America to the Nation of Hawai`i and her individual nationals and residents. We have suffered a long list of injuries, political, personal, social, economic, cultural, environmental, etc. Such injuries were both collective, that is, as a nation, and individual. - Perspective Through a Civil Rights Framework (Opihi.com)
The call for Hawaiian sovereignty began 101 years ago with
Queen Lili`uokalani. It has been carried by Hawaiian citizens
throughout the generations, quietly at times, hidden at times,
suppressed at times, boisterous at times. It has weathered many
storms and has seen Hawai`i undergo a multitude of changes. But
the basic demand and the moral, historical and political foundation
remains the same – the right of a people and nation to self-
determination. – Straight Talk on Hawaiian Sovereighty
Iolani Palace- the center of politics during the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.
